Athletic Club vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a tough midweek assignment in La Liga as they take on Athletic Club at San Mames.

Despite failing to hit top gear, Carlo Ancelotti's side have suddenly taken control of the title race after winning their previous three domestic outings. Victories over Osasuna, Leganes and Getafe have arrived amid a Barcelona lapse, with Madrid now just four points behind the league leaders having played two games fewer.

Defeat to Liverpool at Anfield depicted Madrid's current vulnerabilities when paired up against the very best, and Wednesday's bout will be their biggest domestic challenge since they were battered by Barca in El Clasico.

Ernesto Valverde's Athletic Club sit fourth in La Liga ahead of Madrid's visit.

The Basque Country outfit have benefitted from retaining their key assets over the summer, and they'll aim to push for a top-four berth this season. Athletic were beaten by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid during the first few weeks of the campaign, but Valverde's side are currently enjoying a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions.

Here is 90min's guide to Real Madrid's upcoming La Liga clash.

What time does Athletic Club vs Real Madrid kick-off?

Athletic Club vs Real Madrid H2H Record (Last Five Games)

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Athletic Club team news

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Athletic Club vs Real Madrid score prediction

Madrid's three successive La Liga victories are a step in the right direction, but their issues are yet to cease. They're improving but still flawed, and the absence of key names will hurt them on Wednesday in a tough away environment.

Athletic were beaten by Barca and Atletico right at the very start of the season, but they've come into form in recent weeks. They're a pragmatic outfit that won't blow teams away, but the hosts doubtlessly have enough to exploit the persistently frail defensive structure they'll face up against on Wednesday.

Athletic seemingly have a penchant for drawing this term, and they could add another to their haul here.